Philippine volcano alert level raised via @cmswire

A file picture shows a farmer harvesting seaweed along the Taal lake while the Taal volcano is seen in the background. Magma rising to the surface of Taal Volcano prompted the government to push up its alert level and urge visitors to stay away. MANILA - MAGMA rising to the surface of a volcano on a popular island close to the Philippine capital prompted the government on Saturday to push up its alert level and urge visitors to stay away. The second stage of a five-step alert system has been imposed around Taal Volcano, a visitor spot located 65km south of Manila, after increased signs of activity were detected. While this does not mean an eruption is imminent, government volcano monitoring officer Julio Sabit said tourists and residents were warned to steer clear of Taal's crater and from thermal vents on its northern side. 'It is still a grey area. We still cannot say if...